[tmdals0213]

I'm looking to start up tennis again and was wondering what you frequent tennis players/hobbyists use these days.

I have an old hand-me-down yonex and head racquet i've used for a couple years but now i want to buy a decent one i can use for 3-5 years and hopefully get better and use it as a practice racquet or a spare later on.

The yonex is a bit heavier and smaller which i've used the most and like and the head racquet is a bit lighter and covers more area.

My budget for a racquet is around $120-180. I've done a bit of looking around and seems like Prince, Head, and Babolat are in the med to top selection for best racquets.

Any info or tips you'd like to share are welcome! And thanks!

[els_86]

I am a tennis pro. I teach at two different private clubs and played high level college tennis and still compete.

Any racquet will do, if you start developing any kind of arm problems, then just switch to something lighter. Also, make sure you get the racquet restrung as a dead string bed will transmit a lot of vibration to your arm. Make sure you string it with something soft like a synthetic gut and a mid tension.

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by els_86

I am a tennis pro. I teach at two different private clubs and played high level college tennis and still compete.

Any racquet will do, if you start developing any kind of arm problems, then just switch to something lighter. Also, make sure you get the racquet restrung as a dead string bed will transmit a lot of vibration to your arm. Make sure you string it with something soft like a synthetic gut and a mid tension.

Thank you els_86

any specific recommendations for a fairly new model racquet?

[els_86]

Originally Posted by tmdals0213

Thank you els_86

any specific recommendations for a fairly new model racquet?

Well there are tons of racquets out there to choose from. Your best bet is to demo some. Go to tennis warehouse and demo some. I would say choose a light on, a mid weight range one, and maybe even one on the heavier side, and see which one you like best. Tennis warehouse has tools to help you decide what racquet, string and tension is best for you. Personally, I play with a very heavy racquet, but I have good technique and can get the racquet around quickly, so for me a heavy racquet doesn't cause any kind of arm problems.

[derryck]

Most shops will allow you to take several demos...you need to find one that fits your style of play and feels right. Rackets offer a trade off between power and control and you have to find the one that works best for you. I'm very partial to the Prince O3 Speedport and they can be had for around $100 or less these days.

[els_86]

Originally Posted by derryck

Most shops will allow you to take several demos...you need to find one that fits your style of play and feels right. Rackets offer a trade off between power and control and you have to find the one that works best for you. I'm very partial to the Prince O3 Speedport and they can be had for around $100 or less these days.

Most prince racquets are considered "tweener" racquets, meaning they appeal and fit most people's game styles and are not too demanding to use. Most of my lessons play with tweener racquets and they are mostly mid level players.

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by els_86

Well there are tons of racquets out there to choose from. Your best bet is to demo some.

Originally Posted by derryck

Most shops will allow you to take several demos...you need to find one that fits your style of play and feels right.

Ah ha, great idea! I do like the feel of the heavy racquet, not having to come around very hard with the body but just having the weight of the racquet do the work.

Thank you agin els and derryck

time to ramp up the cardio! have a great monday!

[Harlequin]

I have been through a variety of racquets over the years - mostly 110 size and mostly Prince or Wilson...

Couple of years back I switched to a Wilson (K)Factor Six-One Tour 90 and have never looked back.



I find that I get much better control from this than the oversize heads...

It's definitely not for everyone though...

[els_86]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

I have been through a variety of racquets over the years - mostly 110 size and mostly Prince or Wilson...

Couple of years back I switched to a Wilson (K)Factor Six-One Tour 90 and have never looked back.



I find that I get much better control from this than the oversize heads...

It's definitely not for everyone though...

I believe mr Federer won about half of his slams with that racquet.

[rjpeaks]

we are avid players. son is starting to play tourneys - Els - can i send him out your way?

we went to the BNP paribas in Indian Wells this year.

fun!

[2011CrazE89]

If by avid you mean passing out after the first set. Then yes, I'm an avid player.

[M.A.R.C.]

I play recreationally about 4-5 times a week usually after the gym. I recently found a racquet and string combo that works for me and my playing/swing style. I have two Head Ti S6 racquets (primary and backup) and i use Babolat Pro Hurricane 130/16 strings (cause i tended to break strings a lot). I like the racquet because it's head heavy but still very light.

I agree with els_86... the vibrations can be pretty painful over time but I found that with that racquet/string combo I don't get much vibration

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by 2011CrazE89

If by avid you mean passing out after the first set. Then yes, I'm an avid player.

haha i'm like that with basketball

Originally Posted by M.A.R.C.

I play recreationally about 4-5 times a week usually after the gym. I recently found a racquet and string combo that works for me and my playing/swing style. I have two Head Ti S6 racquets (primary and backup) and i use Babolat Pro Hurricane 130/16 strings (cause i tended to break strings a lot). I like the racquet because it's head heavy but still very light.

I agree with els_86... the vibrations can be pretty painful over time but I found that with that racquet/string combo I don't get much vibration

thank you for your input! i'm gonna have to go to sport chalet today, it's the only sports equipment store around my area. i'll have to check out your racquets have a great day!

[M.A.R.C.]

reviving this for a bit to steal the OP's platform for a bit... what about shoes?

I have only used nike city court vii and nike air max challenge. I really liked the challenge but my current pair are done for. I ended up ordering some vapor courts but I figured i'd see what you guys play in. I'm pretty rough on them (I drag the inner part of my left foot a lot).

What do you guys play in?

[wrsbmw]

I have four Bablolats. Two Pure Drive 107 a Drive Max and an Overdrive. I think I like the Drive Max the best and I have it in a small grip size, 4 1/4. I have the two Pure Drive in 4 3/8 and 4/14 while the Over Drive is 4 3/8. I like the smaller grip but use both. I switch racquets while playing because the grips get sweaty in the summer here.

[Billup]

Just got my SO into playing tennis with me maybe 4/5 months ago. So far she is loving it and is actually picking up on it pretty quick. We try to make it to the courts at least a couple times a week. We are actually going to be playing today.

I've been using a Wilson raquette that I've had for the past couple years. I'm definitely due for an upgrade, but haven't really made it a priority.

Love the sport. Great way to get some exercise and have some fun.

[Bimmersandmopars]

God I miss playing tournament racquetball.

[Accentu8]

Wilson Blade with Wilson Revolve Spin string. My game has improved immeasurably since switching to this setup.